The reports are mounting. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will soon name Bruce Arians head coach. While there have been no official negotiations or announcements, the growing feeling is that the former headman of the Arizona Cardinals will be the next man up in Tampa.
From @gmfb earlier today: The #Bucs and Bruce Arians haven't begun negotiating their contract, but all signs point to him as the new coach. Would make for fun times in TB. pic.twitter.com/3JJJbJ9kMN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2019
I am not a fan of this. Here are three reasons why.
- Age
Arians is currently 66 years old. He has been at this game for 43 years. Who is to say that in three years he does not want to coach again? This would decimate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ franchise. If they are to hire Bruce Arians, I would hope that the Glazers and/or Jason Licht form some sort of agreement with Arians that he stay for five or more years.
- Health
We know that the health of Bruce Arians has not been the greatest in recent years. He is a prostate cancer survivor. However, there have been other issues. In 2016, he spent time in the hospital with complications of diverticulitis. A chest pain scare in November 2016 sent him back to the hospital. Then, in February of 2017, he had a cancerous tumor removed from his kidney.
- Offensive
This is the kicker. The Bucs tried the offensive-minded route with the last head coach. It did not work. During the three years under Dirk Koetter, the defense suffered. In 2016, the Tampa Buccaneers ranked 23rd in total defense. Then in 2017, the Bucs ranked 32nd in total defense. Finally, in 2018, the defense ranked 27th. They have never been in the top half of the league. This should be a focus. Remember the saying, “Defense wins championships.”
Do not get me wrong: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting a good head coach in Bruce Arians. He should do wonders for Jameis Winston. Nonetheless, he could be the wrong choice.
Are you okay with Bruce Arians as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Leave a comment below.
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